Large composite fermion effective mass at filling factor 5/2

The 5/2 fractional quantum Hall effect in the second Landau level of extremely clean two-dimensional electron gases has attracted much attention due to its topological order predicted to host quasiparticles that obey non-Abelian quantum statistics and could serve as a basis for fault-tolerant quantum computations. While previous works have establish the Fermi liquid (FL) nature of its putative composite fermion (CF) normal phase, little is known regarding its thermodynamics properties and as a result its effective mass is entirely unknown. Here, we report on time-resolved specific heat measurements at filling factor 5/2, and we examine the ratio of specific heat to temperature as a function of temperature. Combining these specific heat data with existing longitudinal thermopower data measuring the entropy in the clean limit we find that, unless a phase transition/crossover gives rise to large specific heat anomaly, both datasets point towards a large effective mass in the FL phase of CFs at 5/2. We estimate the effective-to-bare mass ratio m*/me to be ranging from ~ 2 to 4, which is two to three times larger than previously measured values in the first Landau level.

Anomalous electronic transport in high-mobility Corbino rings

We report low-temperature electronic transport measurements performed in two multi-terminal Corbino samples formed in GaAs/Al-GaAs two-dimensional electron gases (2DEG) with both ultra-high electron mobility ( ≳ 20 × 10⁶ cm²/ Vs) and with distinct electron density of 1.7 and 3.6 × 10¹¹ cm^-2. In both Corbino samples, a non-monotonic behavior is observed in the temperature dependence of the resistance below 1 K. Surprisingly, a sharp decrease in resistance is observed with increasing temperature in the sample with lower electron density, whereas an opposite behavior is observed in the sample with higher density. To investigate further, transport measurements were performed in large van der Pauw samples having identical heterostructures, and as expected they exhibit resistivity that is monotonic with temperature. Finally, we discuss the results in terms of various lengthscales leading to ballistic and hydrodynamic electronic transport, as well as a possible Gurzhi effect.

Changes in sleep quality amidst COVID-19 pandemic among psychiatric patients in Romania

Introduction

Sleep disturbances can occur as a result of major stressful events. Additionally, research evidence suggests that COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively impacted the quality of sleep among various populations. However, individuals respond differently to the stress, uncertainty and social isolation related with COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the changes in sleep quality and pattern among voluntary psychiatric patients visiting our clinic in Romania during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We implemented a cross-sectional study over a period of 3 months, utilizing a Romanian-translated version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) which was administered through Google Forms web application. Participants lacking digital skills were provided with guidance for completing the questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained prior to participating in this study and data anonymity and confidentiality were ensured.

Results

Among a total of 98 responders, 63% reported a global PSQI score greater than 5, indicating poor sleep. Approximately 25% of participants subjectively marked their sleep as either fairly bad or very bad. When analysing the 7 components of PSQI, our participants struggled most with long sleep latency. About a third of participants reported using sleep medication (both prescription and over-the-counter) three or more times a week within the past month.

Conclusions

Considering the fact that the current situation is likely to evolve for an unknown period of time, there is a dire need to assess the effect of prolonged adjustments in daily routine and their impact on the sleep and the quality of life of our patients.

Mesostructured silica and aluminosilicate carriers for oxytetracycline delivery systems

Oxytetracycline delivery systems containing various MCM-type silica and aluminosilicate with different antibiotic content were developed in order to establish the influence of the support structural and textural properties and aluminum content on the drug release profile. The antibiotic molecules were loaded into the support mesochannels by incipient wetness impregnation method using a drug concentrated aqueous solution. The carriers and drug-loaded materials were investigated by small- and wide-angle XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, TEM and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. Faster release kinetics of oxytetracycline from uncalcined silica and aluminosilicate supports was observed, whereas higher drug content led to lower delivery rate. The presence of aluminum into the silica network also slowed down the release rate. The antimicrobial assays performed on Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates showed that the oxytetracycline-loaded materials containing MCM-41-type mesoporous silica or aluminosilicate carriers inhibited the bacterial development.

Arsenic trioxide sensitizes cancer stem cells to chemoradiotherapy. A new approach in the treatment of inoperable glioblastoma multiforme

PURPOSE

glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) still bears a very dismal prognosis even with complete resection followed by adjuvant chemoradiation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate in vitro the antitumor efficacy of arsenic trioxide (ATO) in combination with ionizing radiation plus temozolomide and bevacizumab against cultured glioblastoma stem-like cells, as possible way to increase the therapeutic index in patients diagnosed with recurrent, therapy-refractory GBM.

METHODS

stem-like tumor cells isolated from a GBM biopsy were established by cell proliferation assays and upregulation of stem cell markers, as proven by reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Low concentrations of ATO were added prior to temozolomide, bevacizumab and ionizing irradiation.

RESULTS

molecular analysis showed that cells expressed CXCR4, Oct-3/4 and GAPDH when compared to placental mesenchymal stem cells, as well as nestin, GFAP and neurofilament protein. Low concentrations of ATO led to morphologic differentiation, with fewer stem cells in Go state and differentiation-associated cytochemical features, like increased sensitivity to cytostatic drugs and radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

ATO exposure before conventional postoperative chemoradiotherapy for GBM might increase treatment efficacy. Further in vivo experiments on laboratory animals and analysis of absorption rate and side effects are required.

Functional and molecular characterization of glioblastoma multiforme-derived cancer stem cells

PURPOSE

Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer mortality in children and remain incurable despite advances in surgery and adjuvant therapies. The failure of malignant gliomas to respond to conventional treatment reflects the unique biology of these tumors, linked to a small population of stem-like precursors. This study describes the characteristics of stem cells isolated from glioblastoma multiforme (GM) and gives insight into the mechanism of brain tumorigenesis.

METHODS

Tumor stem-like precursors were identified from primary human GM-derived cell culture using immunocytochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cells were cultured in vitro in stem cell medium supplemented with growth factors and then the capacity of the surviving stem-like precursors to form tumor spheres and to continue to proliferate after chemoradiotherapy were tested.

RESULTS

The tumor cells expressed the cellular markers CD133, CD105, CD90, Nanog, Oct 3/4, CXCR4, nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament protein (NF) and human glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Cells also displayed a high proliferative potential despite chemotherapy and irradiation and also had the ability to form spheroids in suspension.

CONCLUSION

High grade gliomas contain stem-like precursors, which exhibit neural stem cell properties with tumorigenicity, establishing a novel developmental paradigm in the study of brain carcinogenesis and providing a powerful tool to develop patient-tailored therapy for this devastating disease.

AX.25 amateur packet radio as a possible emergency network

In modern society more and more medical applications need a reliable data transfer. In emergency situations, such transfer may not be available because parts of the communications infrastructure may be affected. An alternative way could be the use of the amateur radio packet network, which offers almost global coverage. We analyzed its use as an emergency data transfer support, including transport of real-time medical data.

Medical informatics education for "allied" profiles

Medical informatics education should be adapted for each speciality of "allied professions". In this paper we try to share from our experience with students of several profiles: medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physio-kineto-therapy, clinical laboratory, dentistry techniques and stomatological prophylaxis.

Magnesium and calcium concentration in the abdominal aorta of patients deceased by ischemic heart disease

Magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) concentrations were determined in the abdominal aorta of 28 patients who died by acute myocardial infarction (AMI), of 52 by ischemic heart disease (IHD) and of 26 subjects deceased by accidents or from causes other than atherosclerosis. Mg concentration in the fibrous and calcareous plaques, was significantly lower than in controls. The lowest Mg values were found in those who died by AMI. Calcium concentration, especially in the calcareous plaques, was enormous as against the controls. The four-seven times decreases of Mg/Ca ratio compared with the controls imply an alteration of the arterial wall cells. Magnesium deficit in the arterial wall probably plays a certain role in this process.

[Multiple cutaneous cylindromas associated with parotid and submandibular gland cylindromas]

BACKGROUND

Multiple cutaneous cylindromas are uncommonly associated with extracutaneous cylindromas. An association between cutaneous cylindromas and salivary gland cylindromas would probably not be fortuitous.

CASE REPORT

A 66-year-old man developed multiple cutaneous cylindromas and cylindromas situated in the parotid and submaxillary gland. Histology was similar for both localizations.

DISCUSSION

This association was probably not fortuitous as the histology was similar, other cases have been reported in the literature, and recent complaint concerned the development of multiple cutaneous cylindromas and salivary gland cylindromas. Salivary gland cylindromas should be searched for in patients who develop cutaneous cylindromas as they are more aggressive in nature.

A cloned antigen (recombinant K39) of Leishmania chagasi diagnostic for visceral leishmaniasis in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 patients and a prognostic indicator for monitoring patients undergoing drug therapy

Serologic assays using crude antigens for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV)-seropositive patients have been shown to lack sensitivity and specificity, particularly in AIDS patients. Antibodies to a cloned antigen, recombinant (r) K39, of Leishmania chagasi are specific for members of the Leishmania donovani complex and have been shown to indicate active disease in immunocompetent persons. This study demonstrated that antibodies to rK39 were also detectable in HIV-seropositive patients coinfected with Leishmania infantum. Furthermore, the rK39 ELISA was more sensitive than an IFA for detecting L. infantum infections in patients with AIDS. In addition, antibody titers to rK39 in HIV-negative patients infected with L. infantum or L. chagasi declined during treatment with meglumine antimoniate or liposomal amphotericin B. In contrast, most patients who clinically relapsed showed increased antibody titers to rK39. These data demonstrate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of rK39 in detecting active visceral leishmaniasis.

Time trends in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in liver cirrhosis. A retrospective necropsy study in a large Romanian town (1973-1992)

The present study retrospectively analyses all the necropsies (5, 112) performed in the two departments of pathology of a large Romanian town (Cluj-Napoca) during a ten-year interval (1983-1992) in order to estimate the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To evaluate the time trends of the association of HCC with liver cirrhosis, all cirrhotic subjects necropsied during two consecutive ten years intervals in one of the departments of pathology (Third Medical Clinic) were analysed. The prevalence of HCC was 8/100,000, with a derived incidence of 1.6/100,000 population/year. HCC was more frequent in males, and it occurred more frequently in cirrhotics (13.8%) than in noncirrhotics (0.6%) (p < 0.0001). The trends in the incidence of HCC in liver cirrhosis were evaluated for the 258 cirrhotic subjects necropsied during two ten year periods (1973-1982 and 1983-1992) in the Third Medical Clinic. HCC was found in cirrhotics older than 40 years, in proportions between 14 and 25% for the different age groups. There was an increasing tendency of HCC incidence in cirrhotic subjects over the last 20 years, significant for the 70-79 years age group. These data indicate a low incidence of HCC in our geographic area and suggest an increasing trend of the HCC association to liver cirrhosis over the last 20 years, more obvious in the advanced ages.

Increasing gallstone prevalence and cholecystectomy rate in a large Romanian town. A necropsy study

To study whether the increasing prevalence of gallstone disease noted in a 100-year interval in a large Romanian town has continued in recent years, we analyzed all necropsies (5234) performed during 10 years (1983-1992) in Cluj-Napoca. Gallstone disease (GD) was defined as the presence of stones or the absence of the gallbladder due to cholecystectomy. The results obtained were compared to those of the previous 10-year period (1973-1982). We found a significant increase of GD both in men (6.9% to 9.8%) (P < 0.001) and women (17.1% to 21.7%) (P < 0.001). The ratio of women to men with GD decreased as compared to the first time period (1.4/1 vs 1.8/1). The actual age-standardized prevalence of GD was higher than that calculated for the first time period: 7.6% in men (5.0% in 1973-1982) and 16.9% in women (8.4% in 1973-1982) (P < 0.001). The necropsy cholecystectomy rate rose markedly; 42.1% of the GD men and 43.0% of the GD women had undergone operation during their life. The present study indicates a higher prevalence of GD in the Romanian town than previously found. The actual prevalence is comparable with that of other central European countries, but it is less than that found in England, Scotland, or Sweden.

Concentration of copper, zinc, chromium, iron and nickel in the abdominal aorta of patients deceased with coronary heart disease

The Cu, Zn, Cr, Fe, and Ni concentrations from the atherosclerotic plaques in the abdominal aorta obtained from 40 patients who died of coronary heart disease (CHD) were measured. In 32 of them the clinical and anatomical diagnosis was ischemic heart disease (IHD) and in 8 of them it was acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Concomitant determinations of the concentrations of the above trace elements were determined in 16 normal aortas from subjects who died in accidents or from causes other than atherosclerosis (C). The determinations were done by means of a Perkin-Elmer atomic absorption spectrophotometer, Model 300. The results are expressed in mg/kg of dried tissue. The Cu, Zn, and Cr concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the atherosclerotic plaques of abdominal aorta of the deceased patients with IHD and AMI than in the control group. Iron had the tendency to rise but not significantly. The nickel level in the atherosclerotic plaques from abdominal aorta did not change significantly as compared to the controls. We attribute the low values of copper in the atherosclerotic aortic tissue in IHD and AMI to a shift of copper from aortic tissue into the blood. At present, there is no explanation for the low concentration of zinc and chromium in atherosclerotic aortic tissue.

The ileal diverticulum. Morpho-clinical and epidemiological study

In two autopsy prospective studies, at the Prosectures of the Departmental Hospital and of the Pediatric Hospital in Cluj, we found an incidence of Meckel's diverticulum of 1.16%, 1.46% respectively. Besides, we have retrospectively followed the incidence of the ileal diverticulum during the laparatomies performed at the Pediatric Hospital in Cluj between 1981 and 1990 on an acute abdomen of a supposed appendicular cause. Consulting the pathological bulletins which registered 8,385 laparatomies we found 200 Meckel's diverticula. Of the 200 diverticula, 64 exhibited a pathological process and 136 were trophic, and we suppose that they were found incidentally (incidence of 1.63%, corrected incidence of 1.38%). Up to the age of 16, 4.5% of the diverticula were excised. In the 64 symptomatic cases of ileal diverticulum, 50 presented inflammatory complications, 10 were ulcero-hemorrhagic, two were obstructive, one diverticulum presented an entero-umbilical fistula and one displayed a hemorrhagic infarction. Seventeen of the 200 diverticula presented heterotopic tissues; 12 of the 17 cases were symptomatic; in 64.7% of the cases the heterotopic tissue was the gastric mucous coat. Out of 8,385 laparatomies performed on an acute abdomen of a supposed appendicular cause, in 64 cases the symptomatology was generated by a meckelian pathological process (0.76%). An acute appendicitis was concomitantly present in 22 of the 64 cases.

[Clinico-statistical observations on malignant ocular tumors surgically resolved at the Cluj-Napoca Ophthalmological Clinic between 1970 and 1990]

During the period mentioned above there ware hospitalized 54 patients having epibulbar tumours. The anatomopathological exam which was effectuated for 33 patients hes shown Bowen's disease for 14 cases, spinocellular carcinoma for 15 patients and basocellular for 3 patients. There were 4 cases for epibulbar precancerous. There was retinoblastoma for 19 cases; it had been practiced the enucleation of ocular globe for 17 patients and for two cases it had been practiced the exenteration of the eye socket. At the same period there were 91 uveal melanosis 6 of which having iridial localization, 10 cases of ciliary body [correction of cylar corpus], 75 cases of choroid. The hepatic scintigraphy was practiced for 56 patients and had shown for 8 cases hepatic metastasis. The histopathological exam of the melanomata of ciliary and choroidal corpus had shown type A fusiform cells for 22 cases, type B for 43 cases, epithelioid cells for 6 cases and mixed type cells for 13 cases. The hepatic metastasis were epithelioid cells for all the cases and, for 2 cases there were with mixed type cells, It is necessary an active discovering of intraocular and episcleral malign tumours, for increasing the chance of an earlier diagnosis during a stadium that would be able to be treated as conservator as possible be.

Vasotocin improves intelligence and attention in mentally retarded children

In mentally retarded (MR) prepubertal children, investigated both before and after six months of treatment, synthetic arginine vasotocin (AVT) (10(-6) mg/day/0.1 ml, intranasally), but not oxytocin or saline alone, significantly increased the intelligence quotient (IQ) and improved the attention parameters without affecting the short-term memory. Taking into account both the psychometric results and the clinical observations, the effects of AVT could be mainly explained by assuming the improvement of attention. Since there was a significant inverse correlation between the pretreatment levels of the IQ and attention scores and their increase after AVT, and since the AVT effects tend to be more intense in autistic children, we hypothesize that the more affected the attention mechanisms, the more they are sensitive to AVT. The present results are tentatively explained by the paradoxical sleep-enhancing properties of AVT, mechanisms by which AVT could improve the brain plasticity in MR subjects and by this, the attention performance.

Standard EEG might predict the intensity of the vasotocin effects on REM sleep in prepubertal children

Standard electroencephalographic (EEG) anomalies were correlated with the intensity of the acute intranasally administered arginine vasotocin (AVT) effects on the REM sleep of 27 healthy prepubertal children (aged between 4 and 13 years). In comparison with saline controls, AVT greatly enhanced REM sleep parameters in subjects with alpha rhythm anomalies, theta waves or with low-voltage EEG as well as in those without hyperpnea-induced EEG anomalies, than in those without (and respectively with) these anomalies. No statistical significant correlation could be established between the intensity of AVT effects on sleep and age, sex, appearance of incidental delta waves or of paroxysmal activities. It is concluded that standard EEG might predict the intensity of the hypnogenic effects of AVT in prepubertal children. The present results support the hypothesis that AVT could be involved in the maturation of the electrical activity of the brain.

Sleep-induced GH release in otherwise GH deficient children having short stature; a possibly new variant of GH neurosecretory dysfunction (GHND)

Sleep and exercise are considered physiologic stimuli of growth hormone (GH) release from the pituitary. They were used to some extent for the assessment of GH reserve in growth disorders of supposedly pituitary origin. In order to better establish the diagnostic value of the sleep test, we studied 34 children of both sexes aged 6-14 having various degrees of shortness of stature associated with bone age retardation (range of the latter: 3-10 years). Eight healthy controls of the same age were also subjected to the sleep test. The latter was begun at 10:00-11:00 a.m. generally in a dark room under polygraphic control. The subjects were fed a standard breakfast at 8:00-8:30 a.m. After thirty minutes of steep or after reaching the IVth stage of slow-wave sleep, the children were awakened and samples of venous blood for GH determinations were drawn. Two other GH reserve tests were also performed in other days, usually insulin-induced hypoglycemia and glycine intravenous loading. Except sleep, no other GH provocative tests were performed in controls. In normal GH reserve children (21/34) according to other tests, the sleep test was positive (i.e. peak values greater than 15 microU/ml) in 7 cases and the mean GH response was not significantly smaller than the peak recorded after insulin-induced hypoglycemia. In abnormal GH reserve, presumably hypopituitary children (13/34) according to other tests, the sleep confirmed the other tests in 8 cases. In five cases of clinically and endocrinologically "hypopituitary" dwarfism, the sleep test revealed a normal response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Vasotocin and sleep in prepubertal boys: its suppression by valproic acid

In order to investigate a possible involvement of the GABA-ergic neurotransmission in the effects of arginine vasotocin (AVT) hormone on human sleep, we administered in 20 healthy prepubertal boys (aged 7-12 years), by an intra-nasal route, AVT (1 microgram) alone or 10 minutes after an intra-nasal dose of valproic acid (VA) (1, 10 and 50 micrograms). Whether the dose of 50 micrograms VA alone produced a quasi-total insomnia for all recording time (3h), the doses of 1 and 10 micrograms VA were without any apparent effect on sleep parameters. However, whatever be the dose of VA, it produced a total suppression of the hypnogenic effects of AVT. The results suggest not only a possible involvement of the GABA-ergic mechanisms in mediating the hypnogenic properties of AVT in man, but also that VA could be used in the treatment of excessive sleep syndromes, especially of narcolepsy.

Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis without granulocytic infiltration

About 50 cases of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis without granulocytic infiltration were published till now. The authors describe the case of a 19-year-old patient with the right ear and the right ring finger bitten by squirrel about 40-50 days before the appearance of an axillary homolateral painful lymphadenomegaly and fever. Histopathologic examination of excised lymph nodes showed areas of necrosis, necrobiosis and nodular histiocytosis. Histiocytes were dystrophic or showed evidence of macrophagy. Problems referring to morphogenesis and etiology are discussed.

Frequency of mortality due to cancer in the last 110 years (1870-1979) in the department of pathology of Cluj-Napoca

Records of 36,775 autopsies performed between 1870 and 1979 in the Department of Morphopathology, Cluj-Napoca, were re-studied. 10.82 per cent of deaths were due to cancer, whose incidence increased during the last 50 years. Cancer is more often seen in males and its highest incidence was noted between 50 and 70 years of age. Gastric and lung cancers are more frequent in males, while uterine, intestine, stomach and ovarian cancers are the most frequent localizations in females.

Viral myocarditis. Clinical, electrocardiographic and evolutive diversity

Five observations of severe viral myocarditis are presented. Diverse cardiac emergencies (pump failure, ventricular premature beats or tachycardia, left bundle branch block, trifascicular block, grade 2 or 3 a-v block, severe hypotension, etc.) as well as associated conditions (pericarditis, interstitial nephritis, pneumonia, pulmonary massive thromboembolism) could be found. The course of the disease was acute in three cases, subacute in one and chronic in another. Two patients died with severe pump failure (associated with pulmonary thromboembolism in one case), The clinical, evolutive and histologic aspects were in good correlation. These cases illustrate the clinical, electrocardiographic and evolutive diversity of viral myocarditis.

REM sleep induction in prepubertal boys by vasotocin: evidence for the involvement of serotonin containing neurons

The pineal nonapeptide hormone arginine vasotocin (AVT) (100 ng/kg) administered intra-nasally (IN) to healthy prepubertal boys, dramatically increased the amount of REM sleep, decreased REM sleep latency, and induced REM periods at sleep onset. Neither arginine vasopressin (AVP) nor oxytocin administered IN at the dose of 100 ng/kg was able to reproduce the effects of AVT, demonstrating its high specificity. Methergoline, a selective central 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor blocker, administered IN at the dose of 100 ng/kg, completely prevented AVT induction of REM sleep. Fluoxetine, a specific 5-HT uptake inhibitor, administered IN at the dose of 25 microgram/kg, 10 min after AVT, greatly potentiated the effects of AVT in inducing REM periods at sleep onset and in increasing the amount of REM sleep and the percentage of dream reports. It is suggested that AVT induces REM sleep in prepubertal boys by interfering with 5-HT neurotransmission and that the high sensitivity of prepubertal boys to AVT reflects an immaturity of REM triggering centers.

Vasotocin, melatonin and narcolepsy: possible involvement of the pineal gland in its patho-physiological mechanism

Both the pineal nonapeptide hormone arginine vasotocin (AVT) (2.5 micrograms) administered intra-nasally and the pineal indole melatonin (50 mg) administered intravenously to three male narcoleptics (two with auxiliary symptoms and one with sleep attacks only), dramatically increased the amount of REM sleep and decreased REM sleep latency. The duration of the sleep onset REM periods in the two narcoleptics with auxiliary symptoms increased by more than 100 percent after AVT and melatonin administration. In the narcoleptic with sleep attacks only both AVT and melatonin induced REM periods at sleep onset. The hypothesis is advanced that narcolepsy represents an impairment of the melatonin-AVT control in the induction and circadian organization of REM sleep associated with an immaturity of REM triggering centers.

[Current aspects of recovery and invalidism in recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis]

An analysis was made, 12 months after strictly supervised treatment which included rifampicin and/or etambutol, of 83 cases of relapses of pulmonary tuberculosis. Therapeutic aspects were studied, as well as problems in relation to the possibility to continue work, as well as temporary invalidity. The therapeutic curing of the relapses was achieved in 74 patients (89,15 percent), while 9 remained with a positive bK in the sputum. The recovered subjects continued their activity without any changes in the working place, and retirement was accepted for active tuberculosis in 12,5 percent of the patients, while retirement for posttuberculous syndrome in another 7,14 percent of the patients. Males were predominant (81,81 percent of the total), mostly aged between 30 and 49 years, originating from rural environments.

Reversal by vasotocin of pinealectomy and constant light effects on the pituitary melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) content in the mouse

A single injection of 1 pg synthetic arginine vasotocin (AVT) into the third ventricle of the mouse completely prevented the pituitary MSH increase which occurs seven days after pinealectomy or 24 h after exposure to constant light. The same concentration of AVT injected into the third ventricle of normal mice markedly decreased the pituitary MSH content at 20 min following the injection. The present results suggest that AVT injected into the third ventricle of the mouse inhibits synthesis and/or release of MSH-release inhibiting factor (MIF).